Land South of White Post Lane, Cobham, Gravesend, DA13 9AX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the landscape character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety
• whether or not the proposal would be in a suitable location having regard to occupiers' access to services, facilities and sustainable transport modes
• the effect of the proposal on biodiversity
• the effect of the proposal on European designated and Ramsar sites
• if the development would be inappropriate, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify it

What decided it

The significant and unacceptable harm to highway safety arising from inadequate visibility at the site access was found to be an overriding factor that could not be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with substantial harm to highway safety and lesser harm to landscape character and location sustainability, clearly outweighed the significant benefits of meeting unmet Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs and the substantial weight given to the best interests of the children, so very special circumstances were not established.